Lava Beds National Monument
California
The Battlefield

During the Modoc War of 1872-1873, the Modoc Indians used these lava flows to their advantage. Under the leadership of Captain Jack, the Modocs took refuge in "Captain Jack's Stronghold," a natural lava fortress. From this base a group of 53 fighting men and their families held off US Army forces numbering up to ten times their strength for five months.

Ganby Cross

On the morning of April 11, 1873, Good Friday, General Canby and a small party, went out to meet a small group of Modoc Indians and their chief, Captain Jack. Captain Jack demanded a separate Modoc reservation and amnesty for his warriors.  Canby retorted that the Modocs surrender and trust the government to protect them. Jack then signaled the others, drew a concealed revolver from his shirt and shot Canby in the face. The other Modocs opened fire at the same time, killing Reverend Thomas and severely wounding Meacham.

Earlier that day, three Modocs approached the camp at Hospital Rock, asking to meet the "Chief" of the soldiers there. The Modocs opened fire, mortally wounding Officer of the Day, Lieutenant William Sherwood, and the Quartermaster officer, Lieutenant William Boyle Sherwood.

More about the Modoc War - NPS site

For seven weeks in the spring of 1873, Gillems Camp (above) served as temporary quarters for up to 600 US soldiers.  Many enlisted men were new immigrants with little training.  Because of the remote location, poor food and medical supplies along with the constant threat of attack in a strange land, life here was difficult.

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